Officials look into report of sex, drugs at Cornelius group home

Law enforcement officials are investigating the possibility of sex- and drug-related crimes at Connell House, the controversial treatment center for "guilty except for insanity" patients in Cornelius.

The investigation began April 15 when Cornelius Police Department officers were called to Connell House because a resident had cut himself with a razor. After the resident's injury was treated, Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies interviewed him.

The man reportedly told deputies he had cut himself because he wanted to go back to the Oregon State Hospital in Salem and didn't want to be around sex offenders.

Three of the seven current Connell House residents deemed "guilty except for insanity" have committed sex crimes. Several other patients are civilly committed to the home.

The man told deputies his roommate had sex with a female patient the previous day and had pestered him for sexual activity despite his rejections. Also, the man said his roommate and another patient were getting high on Vicodin they had concealed.

Deputies said the patients in question acknowledged having sex. The man's roommate has since voluntarily returned to the state hospital.

Deputy Jason Yazzolino reported that Kathryn Urhausen, service coordinator for Connell House, said she knew about the pair's relationship and that no rule forbid sex between patients there.

Cornelius Police Chief Paul Rubenstein said he was concerned that female residents might not have the mental capacity to consent to sex.